The 33-year-old forward's fourth League goal of the season earned not only Edy Reja's first derby win as Lazio Coach but also Lotito's fifth since taking over at the Olimpico as President.

Lotito said: “On the field we saw a clear superiority. We created many chances but were probably in a state of discouragement for having failed to convert them, before Klose's goal immediately expelled that.”

Klose hinted today that he will retire at the end of the 2013-14 campaign.

“I'd like to see him continue for another three years at this level. He is a fantastic player, a true professional. He could have gone to Milan but fortunately he did not.”